Cauvery water row: Schools, colleges closed in Mandya as protests intensify

Mandya (Karnataka) [India], Sept. 6 (ANI): In wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's order asking Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to help the distressed farmers of Tamil Nadu, state Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar today declares that schools and colleges would remain closed in Mandya for the next two days. Shivakumar told the media that high alert has been issued in all areas, including Bangalore, as a precautionary measure, adding the paramilitary forces would be called in only if the law and order situation deteriorates. "The Home minister has taken note of the ongoing protests. As a precautionary measure, we had a meeting today and I took permission from the Chief Minister that tomorrow and day after tomorrow, we'll close the colleges and schools in Mandya," he added. Several activists and lawyers today staged protests in Mandya against the apex court's order. The activists of Jai Karnataka outfit vandalized the Public Works Department (PWD) office here during their protest. The protestors are of the view that the court's directive would put Karnataka under pressure as the state is already facing deficient rainfall. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah earlier in the day called for an all-party meeting to discuss the Cauvery river water issue. The Supreme Court has directed the Karnataka Government to release 15,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to Tamil Nadu for the next 10 days to ameliorate the plight of farmers. The apex court also directed Tamil Nadu to approach the supervisory committee within three days for the release of Cauvery water as per the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's (CWDT). The apex also asked the committee to decide on Tamil Nadu's plea in ten days. (ANI)